Chapter 1337

“Happy birthday, Arlen. This is just a little something from Bard and me,” Eunice said as she handed

over a gift.

Arlen's butler stepped forward to take it immediately.

“You folks might not be aware of Bella's true identity. Allow me to introduce her. She's the long-lost

daughter of Louisa, Arabella Collins, who has only recently been found. Bella, this is your Arlen."

"Mr. Arlen, I wish you a happy birthday and many a hearty laugh” Arabella said, offering her gift.

Eunice added, “This is the girl's way of showing her respect."

Arlen looked taken aback and stared at Arabella for a good while before asking, “You're Louisa’s

daughter?"

Before Arabella could respond, he turned to Eunice and asked with uncertainty, “And Kenneth’s?"

“who else?” Eunice replied with a confident smile.

“How did she end up lost? And you found her in Dawnstar? Did you and Bard take her under your

wing?"

“Oh, Arlen, come on. The Collins clan holds Bella dear. How could they bear to have her fostered

away? She's here to visit her grandfather. Hearing of your birthday bash tonight, she made a point to

come and celebrate with you."

“Ah, well, that’s thoughtful. It's good to have you back,” Arlen replied with tepid enthusiasm, showing

little warmth toward Arabella.

A servant took the birthday present from Arabella's hands.

Rose and Bess watched them with eyes that could kill.

Unable to hold back, Bess snapped, “That red dress of yours is stealing Arlen’s thunder. Anyone would

think you've come to outshine the birthday boy."

The older women started to posture.

“This is Arlen’s home, and today we're celebrating his birthday. Isn’t it a bit much for a junior to take

center stage?"

“Away for a while and still as showy as ever!"

“Young people just don’t know how to be subdued."

Eunice’s lips curled into a smile, radiant and stunning.

“It's Arlen’s birthday, so naturally, I wanted to make a bold statement. Bella and I dressed in those

colors to wish Arlen nothing but prosperity and success. But Bess, here you are in black on such a

joyous occasion. What message might that convey?"

Bess was itching to tear Eunice’s mouth off.

Another elder chimed in defensively, “Black signifies modesty. Do you think everyone wants to be as

loud as you?"

“In a time of celebration, black is an omen of bad luck, gloom, and misfortune. As an elder, Bess should

be aware of such taboos. Or is it intentional?"

Bess was fuming. This brazen girl was becoming more insolent and irritating by the minute!

“Enough, Arlen said, his expression souring. “Eunice, I heard Bard had to leave on business this

afternoon."

“Yes"

“And who's this? What's her name?"

“Bella"

“Fine. Take Bella around, get some food."

“Sure thing. Come on, Bella’ Eunice said, leading Arabella away, both still radiating charm.

Bess was seething, “That little hussy. I haven’t even settled yesterday's score with her! And today she

dares to be so brazen, showing off in front of us elders! Does she really think we won't put her in her

place?"

“You knew today was Arlen's birthday, yet you chose such attire, handing others a reason to mock. And

now we're the laughing stock. Go change, or at least throw on a shawl!” Calvin Griffith couldn't help but

reprimand her in a low vaice.